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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-01-1991 Planning Commission MinutesThe Planning 8 Zoning Commission met Monday, July 1, 1991 at 5:00 p.m. at the City Administration Building, 161 N. Section Street. Present: Chairman Richard Sanderson, members Cecil Pitman, William Lucey, Maxwell Killoch, James P. Nix, Tim Kant, Cindy McBrearty John Duck The minutes of the June 3, 1991 meeting were duly approved on motion by William Lucey, seconded by Maxwell Killoch and unanimously carried. A public hearing was held ona request for re -zoning from R-2 Medium Density Single Family to R-3 Pgh(Patio Garden Homes) on approximately 25 acres southwest of the municipal golf course. Mr. Dial addressed the Commission stating he had no immediate plans for use of this property right now, no presentation. Bob's comments were considered. He had remarked that considering the large amount of land he is requesting be re -zoned for this in an unproven market that he should develop in stages not scatter over 25 acres. Mr. Dial reassured the Commission that he planned to develop in stages as suggested. James P. Nix moved to recommend approval of zoning change .subject to it being developed in stages. William Lucey seconded and motion carried unanimously. This will now go before City Council for action. A request for preliminary and final approval on a two lot subdivision ALDEA by George McKean located off of Rock Creek Drive & Scenic 98 was considered. there are no improvements on the property, Seth Moore was here representing the owner. Bob had recommended approval subject to the proper endorsements on the plan by the county engineer. James P Nix moved for approval subject to County's endorsement, Cindy McBrearty seconded and motion carried unanimously. Tim made the suggestion that the roads be big enough for the fire trucks to get in. Blueberry Hill subdivision was considered . This was a request for a 4 lot subdivision. Mr Moore was representing Mr. Danny Pulliam and said it was located off of Blueberry Lane and Gayfer St. Ext. that all lots fronted on existing roadway and were 15,000 sq ft or larger. One already had a residence. They were requesting approval subject to County Health Departments approval and approval from the county engineer. John Duck moved, Tim Kant seconded granting approval sought subject to approval of health department and county engineer. Motion carried unanimously. The Commission considered Forest subdivision/Houston Wilson a 4 lot subdivision on County Rd. 32 1/2 West of Fish River. Mr. Moore representing Mr. Wilson said that this land is on city water with existing frontage on roadway and will contain approx. 2z acre lots. Maxwell Killoch moved to grant preliminary and fir approval pending approval from the county health department. Cecil Pitman seconded and motion passed unanimously. The public hearing on a re -zone request from B-4( Business/Professional Offices to B-2(General Business) of Greeno Properties was considered. This property is located adjacent to Food World Shopping Center. Mr. Herman Maisel spoke to the Commission and remarked that this is now zoned B-4 and that he has some 8,000 sq ft in the shopping center that has been vacant for a long time. He said he has inquiries all the time for retail space. That he was looking for the right kind of tenant and that he thinks that McDonald's will be good for the community. He said that they participate in the community, that he has been involved in many charitable events in Mobile and McDonald's has always involved themselves when asked. That this is a franchise and that the owner lives in Montrose. He said that the balance of the property, back portion he would like to develop in small shops, that he has 50/60 ft. on these lots and they would sit on the parking lot so there would be a natural buffer. Mr. Vernon Bodden spoke from the audience, he said he is all for it he referred back to the time when the property owners fronting on Greeno came up and made application to have their property zoned commercial, he wanted to know what the buffer to this will be. Bob said that a fence or evergreen hedge at least 6 ft tall when planted is required. Dave Bowden from Colonial Acres spoke saying this seems to be a case of an "elephant putting his foot in the door". That it seems inevitable that this will lead to another "heartburn alley" situation like they have at Spanish Fort. That this is on the way to Colonial Acres, he cited Dyas trying to get re -zoned and said that we have a good plan and we ought to stick with it. Robert Troncoso from the regional office in New Orleans had shown the Commission a rendering of the McDonald's they wish to build. He said it was a new concep new design , in his proposal he said that a playground would be added later that this goes over big with parents with little children. Cindy McBrearty spoke saying she had several concerns, one, being the curb -cuts, that she thought an access road would be better no curb cuts, that they should allow enough room for this. She asked how many feet back from the road was -the proposed playground. She was told 50 ft. from the new right-of-way. She said that she thought the sign proposed was too high. That the Food World sign is 12-14' and it is plenty high enough, that she has traveled all over and she has seen exceptions shown to what he has proposed, that they have put in McDonald's that fit in with the atmosphere of the town and that the one proposed does not reflect the character of the town. She said the 20 ft. sign is excessive and that they should respect our community. Mr.Troncoso responded saying that with a four -lane highway exposure is what they are seek and this would get the message to travelers coming up and down road. Tim asl',I if the landscaping would be removed when they are required to move back for the new road, Mr. Troncoso said no, historically they have fencing around playground, green area and buffer. Bryan Maisel spoke again saying they are not asking to change the ordinance, that this is not an "elephant", that this is already a commercial district, sufficient buffering is already there, this is an opportunity to develop the balance of land as intended. Maxwell Killoch addressed the commission saying he wished to make a statement(in file) in whit he said "he is in favor of having the zoning changed as it will parallel the zoning across the road but is not in favor of creating another temple to the hamburger god" . He said it might open up avenue to bring B-2 across the road and they in turn would want to bring in a Wendy's, Waffle House or Bates Turkey, etc. He went on to say that we had taken a position to protect the residential areas along Edwards Avenue to the east and west of Greeno particularly Rosa Acres with adequate B4 buffering as transitional zoning and that we have held the line on residential zoning against the appeals of many north of Edwards Avenue and also protecting the charm of Fairhope by keeping the north Triangle Area in residential zoning. He added that there was adequate room where Coastal Institute use to be located in the shopping center to put the McDonald's in there if they would consider a mall -like atmosphere. Tom Brown spoke saying he owned property next to this and he welcomed McDonald's. Cecil Pitman said he would like to look at another plan for the building, he agreed with Cindy about fitting into the character of the town. That B-4 to B-2 was good. Richard Sanderson said he agreed with Cindy on the sign, that he, too, had traveled and seen them make special efforts to fit in, that they traditionally had the mansard roof as a trademark. Mr. Troncoso said that he would like to point out that a budget is allowed for the area where it is going to be placed but they will take a look and see what they can do. Richard Sanderson then said he would recommend approval to B-2 subject to approval of the design by the Planning Commission and Cecil Pitman moved this, James P. Nix seconded and motion carried unanimously Mr. Herman Maisel spoke again saying this will be built as the Commission wished. Dennis Byrne came before the Commission with a site plan for 33 apartments East Wind, to be built on Greeno Road south of Brazeal Real Estate on the Ingersoll property. Bob said he had been through- the plans, they had been through the Board of Adjustments and gotten a 20 ft rear yard variance and they had enough parking spaces. Mr. Byrne was asked about the trees and he siad he would save all the trees he could. Cindy asked about the facac He said it looks like wood, something new on market but cannot tell difference He was asked about landscaping and said he plans to have Bobby Green land- scape. Bob said other than a few changes in plans he has no problem with site plan presented. J.P. Nix moved for approval meeting all building and landscape requirements. William Lucey seconded and motion carried unanimousl,, There being no further business, meeting was duly adjourned. ng :ed